When thinking of Hawai’i, visions of beautiful beaches dotted with surfers and sunbathers, traditional luaus, lush tropical forests, and frolicking honeymooners likely come to mind. The truth is, visitors to the islands are met with all of that and more upon their arrival. My husband and I are lucky enough to live on the island of O’ahu, and we have called the city of Waikiki home for several months now. We absolutely love our island home and believe that everyone should experience her beauty and culture of aloha at least once in their lifetimes.
Here, we are sharing how we would choose to explore the island if we only had one week to do so. This itinerary is jam packed with opportunities for exploration and is designed for first time visitors to O’ahu who are in search of an adventure in paradise. We have included our favorite hikes, waterfalls, beaches, and cultural activities from across the island.
Exploring Waikiki & Downtown Honolulu
Waikiki is the perfect place to call your “home base” during your trip to O’ahu. The opportunities for dining, shopping, surfing, and enjoying cultural activities are virtually endless on this part of the island. Here are our favorites:
Surfing at Waikiki Beach:
Surfing is synonymous with your Hawaiian holiday, and there is no better place to take a lesson than in Waikiki. When it comes to rentals, we have nothing but good things to say about Moku Hawaii.
Manoa Falls:
This waterfall lies just outside of Waikiki at the end of a beautiful rainforest trail. The hike itself is less than two miles roundtrip, but does get muddy. I highly recommend investing in a pair of water shoes or hiking sandals if you are planning to hike to any waterfalls.
even though I didn’t catch any waves.
Tantalus Lookout:
This scenic overlook, located within the Puu Ualakaa State Park, provides unparalleled views of Honolulu and is the ultimate spot to watch the sunrise over the city.
Shopping:
You do not have to look far to find great shopping in Waikiki. Whether you live for luxury or prefer shopping small, you’ll find everything you’re searching for within steps of the beach. My personal favorite destination is Waikiki Beach Walk because it’s packed with local boutiques.
Kaka’ako Street Art:
If you are a lover of street art, you are in for quite a treat in Kaka’ako. Dozens of murals line the streets of this hip neighborhood along with boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. We love grabbing a coffee and walking around the neighborhood to check out all of the art.
Some of countless beautiful, art-covered walls in the Kaka’ako neighborhood.
Downtown Honolulu:
With just a short drive or bus ride from Waikiki, you’ll be able to spend a day exploring Hawaii’s capital city, Honolulu. To learn more about Hawaiian history and culture, we recommend checking out both the Iolani Palace and the Bishop Museum. When you’ve had your fill of indoor activities, stop by Foster Botanical Garden to check out their impressive collection of massive, old growth trees and native plants.
Adventuring in Lanikai
Lanikai is one of our favorite parts of O’ahu, and is home to our absolute favorite beach. If you have just one day to enjoy Lanikai, we recommend spending your time taking in the area’s natural beauty through the following experiences:
Lanikai Pillbox Hike:
Start your morning with a sunrise hike to the Lanikai Pillbox. Watching the sun pop up over Lanikai Beach with the Mokulua Islands in the background is a truly magical experience.
Scenes from the summit of the Lanikai Pillbox Hike.
Kayak to Moku Nui Island:
Moku Nui Island is one of the Mokulua Islands (aka the Mokes) that can be seen from the coast of Lanikai Beach, and kayaking out to this rocky oasis makes for the perfect day trip. After a 30-90 minute paddle, you’ll find yourself on a piece of untouched paradise. This tiny island is the home to a sea bird sanctuary, tidepools, a rocky loop trail, cliff jumping opportunities (if the conditions are safe), and sometimes even endangered Hawaiian Monk Seals. A permit is required for those wishing to visit the island, and it will come with your kayak rental, so be sure to let the rental company know that you are planning to kayak to the Mokes.
If any adorable Hawaiian Monk Seals do happen to grace you with their presence, remember that these creatures are both endemic to Hawaii and critically endangered. It is so important that you do your part to protect them by maintaining your distance and respecting their habitat.
Lanikai Beach:
After your day of adventure, relax on the soft white sands of what has been called the most beautiful beach on O’ahu – Lanikai Beach.
Discovering Oahu’s Windward Coast
Less than a 30 minute drive from Waikiki lies a part of O’ahu known as the Windward Coast. On this part of the island you’ll find yourself in a picturesque, tropical, and jungle-like environment surrounded by the lush, green Ko’oalu Mountains.
Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden:
This public garden is free to enter and will make you feel like you’ve been transported into the Jurassic Era; The movie Jurassic Park was filmed just several miles down the road, after all. You’ll find endless trails, a beautiful lake, and lots of opportunities for birding inside this beautiful oasis. Pro Tip: Wear sturdy footwear – even through this is deemed a garden, some of the trails are often muddy, and the last thing you want to do is slip and fall while on your stroll.
The Byodo-In Temple:
This beautiful Buddhist temple and the surrounding grounds are dedicated to the celebration of the first Japanese immigrants to the Hawaiian islands, and is an idyllic location to take a peaceful walk or meditate.
Experiencing The North Shore
Locals refer to this part of the island as “the country,” and when you visit, you will understand why. The North Shore of Oahu offers beautiful beaches and unmatched opportunities to surf and snorkel, and is 100% worth making the drive from Waikiki to explore.
Shark’s Cove:
During the summer months, Shark’s Cove is one of our favorite spots on the island for diving and snorkeling. The waters here are crystal clear and and protected by surrounding cliffs and reefs. When you go, be sure to arrive early – the location is popular and parking is limited, and while there are no food stands on the beach itself, if you get hungry the food trucks nearby will surely satisfy your appetite.
Waimea Bay:
Just down the road from Shark’s Cove lies Waimea Bay, yet another beautiful North Shore beach that offers great snorkeling. But this locale is different from its northern neighbor by offering soft sand dotted with beach umbrellas instead of rocky cliffs. You can easily spend an entire day lounging at Waimea Bay, but if you want to trade salt water and waves for freshwater falls, head across the street to Waimea Valley where you can swim in a waterfall pool or take a botanical or cultural tour.
Click for a video of our experience.
Click for a video of our experience.
Matsumoto Shave Ice & Historic Haleiwa Town:
Your visit to the island is not complete without sampling the sweetest treat that Hawaii has to offer, and the famous Matsumoto Shave Ice in Historic Haleiwa Town is the place to do just that. We highly recommend going all out and ordering the “Ichiban Special” – you won’t regret it. While you are in Haleiwa walk around the town and pop into the boutiques and businesses.
Shrimp Shacks:
Do not leave the north shore without stopping by a shrimp shack and be sure to get a side of Hawaiian mac salad while you’re there.
We hope our “perfect week” in O’ahu itinerary either helped you to plan your island getaway or inspired you to book a ticket to paradise. For more of our Hawaii tips, including what you simply cannot forget to pack for your trip to O’ahu, click here.
